NARCOTICS BUREAU
DETECTIVE DIVISION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Bureau Order Number: 6-24
Subject: USE OF TEMPORARY VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES
|
Effective Date |
07/01/2008 |
Late Date Revised: |
11/01/2011 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
04/01/2021 |
Next Review Date: |
04/01/2022 |
A. Purpose
The purpose of this bureau order is to establish guidelines for the use, storage and tracking of both California, and out of state license plates maintained by Narcotics Bureau.
B. Background
During the course of undercover investigations, it may become necessary for the operative to be seen while in or driving a vehicle. In order to further mask the identity of the operator and his/her link to law enforcement during the negotiation stages of narcotics transactions, or other undercover operations, the temporary use of out of state vehicle license plates may be appropriate. Additionally, newly assigned vehicles to government agencies frequently have extended waiting periods for vehicle license plates. Vehicles without license plates are readily identifiable by narcotic traffickers. The use of temporary California license plates may be appropriate under these circumstances.
C. Scope of Policy
This policy is directed to all Narcotics Bureau personnel and any other
Detective Division personnel using the temporary license plates.
D. Training
Narcotics Bureau sergeants and lieutenants shall ensure that all personnel
under their supervision have been appropriately briefed on the contents of
this policy.
E. Accountability
The Operations lieutenant shall establish and maintain a tracking system to record the use of all vehicle license plates referred to in this order. The plates and tracking log shall be maintained in the Narcotics Bureau safe.
F. Conclusion
The intent of this policy is to establish guidelines which control all use of both out of state and California temporary license plates used for disguising the link between the undercover operator and law enforcement.
These license plates will be used primarily to assist investigators assigned to
Narcotics Bureau’s Major Violators teams and the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Task Force (Cal-MMET). However, they are available to all Detective Division personnel, via Narcotics Bureau. When used in accordance with this policy, any Narcotics Bureau Lieutenant may authorize their use. Any lieutenant assigned to Narcotics Bureau may access the plates. He/She shall ensure that the “Vehicle License Plate” log (maintained along with the plates in the safe) be completed by the person responsible for the use and return of the plates. At the conclusion of the temporary use of the plates, and as soon as practical, the correct vehicle license plates assigned to the vehicle shall be reattached. The temporary license plates shall then be returned, without delay, to the Narcotics Bureau safe and signed in. Any deviation in the use of these license plates will require the notification and approval of the Narcotics Bureau Captain.
ORIGINAL SIGNED
LOY L. MCBRIDE, CAPTAIN
NARCOTICS BUREAU